Spring issue Bluejay

[Tom Ellis]

This is my first try at adding pics, so I hope it works. This is the bluejay that crashed thru the window in the spring issue of WCI. My magnet was too small to hold him on the glass so I mounted him on a pair of chickadee legs. I found that the head turned very easy, so I decided to attach a string to each side of his head, and made some grooves for the strings, so it would still turn free, then drilled a hole thru his body. Now when I pull on the stirings, his head will turn. Really gets a start from someone starting to touch him, because they really don't notice the strings.
I'm really having fun with this, and hope you enjoy.
TOM

[Blinky Bill]

Nice job Tom,
and I think your "head turning" is real fun idea.
John

[Curtscarving]

Tom-That is really cool. Your string trick would be so much fun to watch.
Curt

[Tom Ellis]

Thanks guys, It would probably work with a lot of different carvings. My only other mover was the donkey a few years back that lifted his head, and hind end. I added moving ears, and moving tail to that one for a little more action when he kicked. It is great fun at our show every year to see the reaction of kids when they want to touch something, and it moves.
TOM

[Benjamin]

kids are going to love that bird, lol

[Riverman]

Tom, I love the idea of the turning head, that shows a great talent of making people smile!! LOL
Bob

[gene-messer]

Love it Tom .. love the look

Gene

[Thomp]

tom,
has anybody touched the head yet and made it fall off?

i got a few folks i would like to pull that trick on

[Iowa Carver]

That is great Tom, nice carving and painting too!

Corey

[Tom Ellis]

Nice to see all the nice comments, and so far Thomp, no one has touched the head since they jump back when they see it move. The magnets actually do a very good job of holding it on.
TOM